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Waited States of A 



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STATE OF NEW YORK, 



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OCTOBER 1, 1869. 






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MRS. E. O. ^vV^REIS^ 



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To the Honorable 



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In Congress assembled. 



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I^EW York, 

1869. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

STATE OF NEW YORK. 
CITY OF BROOKLYN, COUNTY OF KINGS. 

October 1. 1SP>Q. 



To the Honorable 






In Congress assembled. 



Respectfully represents Mrs. Eleanor O. Wken, of the 
City of Brooklyn, Comity of Kings, State of New York, who 
prays that the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) may be 
awarded her for services performed and means expended, while 
enlisted in and devoted to the Union army, during the late 
rebellion. 

Your petitioner, Mrs. E. (). Wren, rehearses — That she is a 
widow, Avith her youngest child yet dependent oii hei". That 
she is now poor and aged ; and, considering that she has a claim 
for services performed, she begs that she may be equitably 
dealt with. 

In the year 1861, the month of September, your petitioner 
enlisted as Matron in the 61st Regiment, Ne^ York Volun- 
teers, taking Avith her in the same regiment, her four sons, all 
of whom served faithfully ; two of said sons having been dis- 



charged after two years' service, for disability. The other two 
sons serving three years and more. 

That, before enlisting as above stated, she sold off her liouse- 
hold furniture and what property she had — investing most of 
her capital in fine hospital stores, which were taken with the 
regiment to the Army of the Potomac at Camp California, and 
there gratuitously distributed to the 1st Brigade of Sumner's 
old division and likewise to the Second or Irish Biigade, thus 
inaugurating a private Sanitary Commission. She remained 
with the army during their movements, having charge of 
Clermont Hospital in the winter of IS61 and 1862, until a 
general order was issued forbidding Matrons to accompany the 
troops in the field ; she then took charge of Judiciary Square 
Hospital, in Washington, reforming many of the abuses of that 
institution. Failing health obliged a relinquishment of that 
position. With the residue of her means, she rented the 
houses No. 441 and 444 K Street, Washington, D. C, and de- 
voted her time to the relief and cure of the soldiers. In the 
memorable xintietam and Gettysburg campaigns, when the 
sti'eets were filkd with ill and dying men, she not only kept 
open house herself, but, by her example and adjuration, 
induced many of her neighbors, Secessionists as well as Union- 
ists, to open their doors to the wounded and weary. The cer- 
tificates accompanying (most of which have been procured this 
year — 1869), show that she Avas of great service to the cause, 
expended all she had, receiving nothing in liquidation, either 
from the soldiers or government, excepting one payment of 
seventy-live dollars ($75), which she was advised to take, in 
order to identify her as being with the troops regularly enlisted. 
Trusting that necessity would never arise to need what she so 
freely expended, no effort was made by her to call attention to 
her thorough and unostentatious labor. She was better known 
by the rank and file than by officials ; the few officers of note 
who know her, among the which may be mentioned Generals 
O. O. Howard, Charles Howard, Balloch, Barlow, and Nelson 
A. Miles, all testify to her devotedness. Her neighbors of 
Brooklyn and Washington prove her single-mindedness, the 
giving up of herself, her family, and means to the Union ; and 
if advertisement were made for testimonials from her thousands 



of patients, it is but reasonable to think that hundreds might 
be presented in tlie place of the tens here recorded. Her 
humanity and kindness extended also to our wounded prisoners. 
In fine, had it been her intent to glorify herself, long ere this a 
volume in her praise would have been written. In many 
extreme and dangerous cases, when wounded men were lan- 
guishing in the different Washington hospitals, herself and two 
little daughters by their constant visiting and kindness gave 
the sufferers that sympathy which is so necessary to effect con- 
valescence. In many cases given up by the surgeons of the 
different hospitals, Mrs. Wren got the patients' furloughs, and 
bringing them to her own domicile, saved their lives. Her 
medical skill as an electrician and magnetic physician was 
used with the best effect. After she left the regiment, when 
any of the men or officers were wounded, if they could possibly 
get to Washington, they went at once to tlieir mother'' s house, 
trusting to her influence with President Lincoln to get them 
leave to stop there instead of at hospitals. 

On one occasion after the battles of the Wilderness, two 
wounded officers, Captain James Cooke and Captain Welsh, 
were on tlieir way to Mrs. Wren's hospital. They were 
stopped by the provost guard and papers asked for, but their 
condition was so pitiable, and tliey seemed to attach so much 
importance to arriving there soon in order to recover, that 
the provost allowed the carriage containing them to pass on. 

It may be well to mention an instance or two of the effect 
of surroundings and sympathy on the desperately wounded. 
Little Willie Mins was brought to* Washington helpless and 
hopeless ; a shell had struck his face and carried away his nose, 
one eye, and part of the jaw ; the moment he knew his guar- 
dian nurse, Mrs. Wren, was near him, he became hopeful, and 
with constant care and assiduity on the part of Mrs. Wren 
and her two young daughters, was fed with a spoon for weeks 
until a carriage could convey him from the University College 
Hospital to the house of Mrs. Wren ; in some months he 
recovered and owes his life, he says, to Mrs. Wren. Sergeant 
Post {:pide certificate No. 13, appended) was shot through the 
abdomen and bladder — after .one year and a half was able to 
walk with crutches — now walks erect and as well as any man, 



4 

and is preaching the Gospel as a Methodist minister, in order, 
as he says, to pay his debt of gratitude to the goodness of his 
Creator, as manifested through the means of Mrs. Wren. 
Phineas Dodge, now residing somewhere in "Wisconsin, was 
shot in the spinal column, paralyzed ; after weeks of attention, 
he revived, and is now liale and well. 

Her attentions were not confined to any one class or kind 
of men : rebels as well as Unionists were kindly used. William 
Montgomery lay in Stanton Hospital ; seeing Mrs. Wren's suc- 
cess in very bad cases. Dr. Wilson gave permission for Mrs. 
Wren to treat the man .For four months he had lain paralyzed, 
unable even to feed himself; in one week, he could sit up, 
eventually recovered, and is now living at White Plains, 
Pocahontas Co., Yirginia. Emory Simons, Co. E, 61st N. Y. 
v., had a difficult operation performed on his mouth and jaw. 
What need of more instances as to your petitioner's devotion. 
Her regret is that it becomes now a necessity to appeal for aid. 

Your petitioner asks a careful perusal of the following 
papers : — 

No. 1 is a pass from camp to Alexandria, merely intro- 
duced to show Mrs. Wren's status in the Brigade. 

(copy.) 
Gen. Sumner's Division, Gen. Howard's Brigade, 

Camp California, Va., December 13, 1861. 
Pass Mrs. E. 0. Wren, Matron 61st Regiment, N. Y. S. V., to Alex- 
andria and Wasliington. 

(Signed), O. O. Howard, 

Brig. Gen. Commanding. 

No. 2 is likewise jmblished for the same purpose as No. 1. 

(copy.) 

C.nmp California, Jan. 6, 1862. 

Mrs. Wren, Matron, _will proceed to the Regimental Hospital at 
" Clermont," and continue to act there as housekeeper and general over- 
seer. The surgeon will take instant measures to put at Mrs. Wren's dis- 
posal a comfortable room or tent, as housekeeper's quarters. 

Mrs. Wren is instructed that it is of- especial importance that the 

nourishment of the men in hospital should be carefully attended to. She 

will therefore oversee the cooks, and be careful to provide herself with 

such necessaries as may be required. 

Spenoee W. Cone. 

Col. Com'd'g 61st Reg., N. Y. V. 



Mrs. Wren's own necessaries were the only ones obtainable, 
for at that time the typhus fever and small-pox were raging in 
the camps ; and though many requisitions for sanitary stores 
were made, few could be filled. 

N^o. 3. 
Desiring that the post of Matron of Brigade might be given 
to Mrs. Wren, the colonel gave her this testimonial to Dr. 
Palmer, Brigade Surgeon. The doctor was desirous of so ap- 
pointing her, but discovered that there was no such position 
allowed by army regulations, so that though virtually Matron 
of Brigade, Mrs. Wren was only rated as Eegimental Matron. 

(copy.) 

Camp California, Jan. 27, 1862. 
Mrs, Eleanor Wren has been with ray regiment as a Volunteer Nurse al- 
most since its first organization, and has been in every way most useful. 
She has gained the esteem and confidence of all the men of the command 
by her constant and kindly attentions. I have every confidence in her 
patriotic devotion and uprightness of character. 
Signed by 

S. W. Cone, Col. Comd'g 61st Reg., N. Y. V. 
Chas. T. Eipley, Capt. Co. K. 

C. P. Bergen, Lieut. Co. K. 

D. Henriques, Capt. Co. D. 
Geo. W. Soott, 1st Lieut. Co. D. 
Lieut. D. E. Gregory, Adjutant. 
Robert H. Ellis, Quartermaster. 
David Jackson, Capt. Co. E. 

No. 4. 

(copy.) 

U. S. General Hospital, Judiciary Square, 

Washington, D. C, Jime 30, 1863. 
I hereby certify that Mrs. E. O. Wren was for a time in this General 
Hospital ; I believe her to be thoroughly honest and well meaning, and 
entirely conscientious in the discharge of her duties. 

Calvin G. Page, 
Act'g Ass't Surgeon, U. S. A., in charge of Hospital. 

No. 5, 

Is merely a certificate from P. M. Patten, IT. S. A., acknowl- 
edging that Mrs. Wren received no pay from hinj. 



6 

(copy.) 
MrSo Eleanor Wren, Matron, 61st N. Y. Vols., was enrolled September 
19, 1861, and has never been paid by me. 

Wm. Patten, P. M., U. S. A. 

per R. G. P. 
No. 6. 

Letter from Major Masset. 

(COPT.) 

In front of Yorktown, Va., April 25, 1862. 
Deak Mrs. Ween, — 

Your son John, on his arrival with the camp guard from Alexandria, 
handed me a package of cough medicine. For it my best thanks. Dr. 
Palmer says that the first stationary hospital he forms, you shall have 
charge again as Matron. The sick boys are complaining bitterly at Ship 
Point. I saw your son George to-day, he has been quite unwell, but is 
better. We expect to have wounds shortly, and want you with us. My 
cough is better than it was when you first gave me the mixture, and now 
I have some again. Shall soon get well. 

Your true friend, 

Massett. 

No. 7. 

New York City, Ja»..12, 1862. 
Me8. Ween, — 

Dear Foster Mother : My own mother and sister send their love to 
you for the watching of me in camp. They desire me to say that as soon 
as we come back to New York, you must pay them a long visit. Please 
God I shall be able to return to duty by the time my leave expires, so 
shall soon return. Regards to your boys, and with best love for yourself, 
I am Your dutiful son, 

Jos. Trainoe, Capt. Co. B. 

No. 8. 

A note written by Adjutant Gregory's wife when in Camp 
California, during the winter of 1861-62. 

(copy.) 

Deae Mes. Ween, — 

Do let me have a little cough medicine for David's throat ; it does 
him more good than Dr. Snow's prescription. I shan't offend you again 
by offering payment, but shall pay you in another way — the way you 
like — by never ceasing to talk of your goodness, and recommending you to 
the boys as a first-rate doctor and nurse. Send right away, by the colored 
boy, and oblige me. 



No. 9. 

(copy.) J ' 

1 take pleasure in stating that Mrs. Wren labored very efficiently in 
the capacity of Matron of the 61st New York Volunteers. She came out with 
the regiment in the fall of '61. Her kindness and sympatliy for the sick 
and disabled won her the respect and gratitude of those to whom she min- 
istered. Her ladylike demeanor and sympathetic nature was only equaled 
by her zeal in imparting relief and comfort to the suftering. Having con- 
tributed four sons to the strength of the regiment and army of the Union, 
she gave herself also, in caring for those who shared the perils of the camp 
and Held. 

H. C. VOGELL, 

Ass't Surgeon in charge of 2d corps train. 
In the field, April 30, 1863. 

No. 10. 
(copy.) 

In the field, Va., June 25, 1863. 
Esteemed Madam, — ] 

Thankful for all the kindness you have shown me, I am back again 
with the command. My wound is almost healed, thanks to your oint- 
ment. So with God's blessings on you, I remain 

Your aifectionate friend, 

James E. Owens, 
1st Lieut. Co. B., 61st N. Y. V. 

No. 11. 

(copy.) 
This is to certify that Mrs. "Wren has been of good service for the past 
three years. Having enlisted with her four sons in our regiment. Since 
leaving the field, she has been of much use in comforting the sick and 
wounded men in the hospitals around Washington. 

John Boardman, 
Co. C, 61st Reg't, N. Y. S. Vols. 
In Columbia Hospital, Sept. 22, 1864. 

No. 12. 

(copy.) 

U. S. Christian Commission. 
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation: that Christ 
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 



8 

Camp 61st N. Y. Vols.. July 8, 1865. 
Mr8. E.g. Wren,— 

Dear Mother, — for as such you have always been to me. We having 
received orders last night to be mustered out of service, as soon as the rolls 
are ready, I thought I could do no less than to apprise you of it, think- 
ing that probably you would like to see the few remaining "Fe^s." before 
we started for the great metropolis of New York, or perhaps go with us. 
One thing, mothei-, I wish to say is, tliat I can never forget your kindness, 
and as soon as we arrive in New York I will write to you. 

Yours, with respect, 

John W. Hilton. 
ISV 18. 

(copy.) 
No. 240 South Third St.. Brooklyn. N. Y. 

J an (1(1 ry 28, J 867. 
With pleasure I bear witness to Mrs. E. O. Wren's display of human- 
ity to those who were suffering in the hospitals in and around Washing- 
ton, from diseases or wounds incurred in the late rebellion. 

I was lying in Stanton Hospital, suffering from a severe wound. The 
surgeons, as I was subsequently informed, had very slight hopes of my re- 
covery ; Mrs. Wren, as was her custom, visited the hospital, and ob- 
serving my dejected, as well as emaciated state, her motherly feelings 
were touched, and taking compassion on me she took me to her home, 
and treated me as kindly as though I had been her own son. 

I can bear witness of her beneficence, not only in my own case, but 

in many others. 

Jekry H. Post. 

No. 14. 

In the spring of 1867, her means becoming limited, it was 
suggested to her by friends that perhaps a position as Matron 
or in the Treasury might be obtainable. She tried ; was re- 
ferred from this official to the other one, wasting her little 
means and time in vain eifort. 

This letter from General Barlow, indorsed by General How- 
ard, explains itself. 

(ropT.) 

New York, Feb. 9, 1867. 
My Dear Sir, — 

Mrs. E. O. Wren served as Matron in my reginieut (the 61st N. Y. V.), 
in 1862, and was afterward a good deal in the army hospitals. She is 
now seeking a position as Matron in one of the public institutions. All 
the men who were under her charge have a high opinion of her kindness- 
and success as nurse, and she was faithful and competent. Will you give 
her some information as to the position she seeks. 

Francis C. Barlow. 
Isaac Bell, Esq. 



9 

Washington, D. C, Maoxh 2, 1867. 
I take great pleasure in concurring with General Barlow in his esti- 
mate and recommendation of Mrs. Wren. She had four sons in the army, 

and, I hope, may get employment. 

0. O. Howard, Ma,i.-Gen. Com. 

No. 15. 

(copy.) 
To the Honorable Secretary of the Treasury the Hon. Hugh MoCullooh. 
We, the undersigned, higlily recommend to your favorable notice, 
Mrs. E. O. Wren, as a humanitarian. She voluntarily served in the field 
and army hospitals during the entire late rebellion; also four of her 
sons served in the 61st Regiment, New York Volunteers, with credit and 
honor, as her papers will show. She also expended much of her means, 
and is .now desirous of obtaining a situation in the Treasury, which will- be 
accepted by her with gratitude, if you will please to grant it. 
Gen. Feanois 0. Baklow, New York. Lieut. J. Owens. 
Ool. S. W. Cone, Few York. Lieut. 0. Bergen, 

Capt. J. Whitht, War Dep't. Surgeon Vogell, Washington. 

Oapt. Chas. Ripley, 61st N. Y. V. Surgeon Ruggles, Washington. 
Capt. Jervis Cook, 61st N. Y. V. Surgeon Barker, Brooklyn. 

Capt. E. Jaokson, 61st N. Y. V. Surgeon F. Oliver, Buffalo. 

Capt. D. Henkiques, 61st N. Y. V. Surgeon W. G. Oliver, Buffalo. 
Lieut. R. H. Ellis, Q. M. U. S. Surgeon Van Skilline, Brooklyn. 

D. E. Gregory, Adjutant. Surgeon P. "Byron, New Orleans. 

Lieut. J. Welch. Surgeon Page, Washington. 

All the papers pertaining to her application for a position 
in the Treasury were returned in the summer of 1868. In the 
interim, Mrs. Wren saw that it would soon become a neces- 
sity for her to present her case as an urgent one to Congress, 
and set about getting together the certificates numbered from 
No. 16 to No. 34 inclusive. 

No. 16. 

(copy. ) 
War Department, Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands. 
Office Chief Disbursing Officer, Wash'n, D. C, April 13, 1869. 
I hereby certify that I knew Mrs. Wren through the war, and can 
truly say that her labors in the hospitals and camps for the benefit of our 
sick and wounded soldiers were ceaseless and untiring. I sincerely hope 
she may be compensated in some way by the government for her labors. 

Respectfully, 
Geo. W. Balloch, Brev. Brig.-Gen. Vols. 

I concur. 

0. O. Howard, Brev. Maj.-Gen., U. b. A. 



10 

No. 17. 

Brooklyn, Feb. 19, 1868. 
This is to certify that I have known Mrs. Wren for some years, and 
know her to be an honorable, worthy, and patriotic lady, having sent four 
sons into the army, besides giving her own services wherever available, 
in behalf of the afflicted soldier. 

Hoping that this will further the object she has in view, 

I remain yours, &c., 

A. D. RUGGLES, M. D. 

Late Surgeon, 69th N. Y. Vols., and Examining Surgeon, 
Pennsylvania, for District of Columbia. 

No. 18. 

Brooklyn, Feb. 28, 1869. 

It becomes my pleasant duty to say that any place in the gift of the 
United States Government, however exalted, is not too much for Mrs. 
"Wren, as I can cheerfully testify that she accompanied my regiment, 
camped on the field, and where other females hesitated or refused to go — 
which was always where she could do most good, — at any sacrifice, she 
went. Many men now dead, have died easier through her tender care. 
Many of our boys would now be dead, only for the same care, and all of her 
time and means has she cheerfully and freely given for nothing. 

Respectfully, 
Geo. B. Elmoee, late Capt. Co. H, 61st Reg't, N. Y. V. 

No. 19. 

"Brooklyn, L. I., N. Y., March 1, 1869. 
I would most respectfully state that I have known Mrs. Wren for 
twelve years. At the breaking out of the war, in 18(51, she sold out her 
household, and I, myself, assisted her in putting up fine hospital stores, lint, 
&o. I know her to be a most worthy lady, and am also certain that the 
services she rendered the country, during the war, have undermined her 
constitution, for her health ever since has been very precarious. 

Most truly, 

Mrs. Ellen Lanagan. 

No. 20. 

This is to certify that the bearer, Mrs. E. O.jWreu, to our knowledge, 
prepared lint and salve for the soldiers, when she and her four sons — 
George, Oliver, John, and Fred — started for the war, in 1861, and that she 
sold all her household stuff, and bought jars to preserve different fruit for 



Cecilia Moore. 
Maet Jane Moobe. 
Julia Minee. 



11 

the same benevolent purpose, and did not return to Brooklyn until 1866, 
during which time she did her best endeavors to alleviate the sufferings 
of the soldiers; she also went to expense herself to purchase things for 
them. 

We are, yours respectfully, 
No. 220 Atlantic Street, Brooklyn. 

No. 21. 

Brooklyn, March 1, 1869. 
I can testify to Mrs. Wren's leaving her home, at the breaking out of 
the rebellion, with her four sons, to serve the government, herself to act 
as Matron, or any other position where she could be useful in assisting in 
the care of wounded soldiers. Have also known her personally, for a 
number of years, and can assert that she is every way worthy of the deep- 
est respect, and a perfectly responsible and reliable person. 

Maey Fawoett, 
Second Assistant, Grammar School No. 12, N. Y. 

No. 22. 

Brooklyn, L. L, March 2, 1869. 

I have known Mrs. E. O. Wren for a number of years and can con- 
fidently recommend her as a conscientious lady, of good moral deportment, 
with excellent business qualities. 

I also know that she went, with her four sons, in the 61st New York 
Regiment of Volunteers, in the year 1861, being of the first to volunteer 
their services in defense of our Union. 

Yours truly, 

Theo. Van Skelline, M. D, 

No. 23. 

Brooklyn, March 11, 1869. 
I certify that Mrs. Eleanor Wren left this city at the breaking out of 
the war to serve as Matron in the Federal hospitals. Also know her to 
be a perfectly responsible and reliable lady in every way, having known 
her a number of years as such. 

Geoege a. Lanigan, 
Chief Engineer of the Leary Line, 



N"o. 24. 

Williamsburgh, L. I., April 7, 1869. 
We beg to say that we have known Mrs. Wren for many years, and 
know her to be a most worthy, humane lady ; also, that she entered the 
array in 1861, and did not return North until 1866. We know that she 
has rendered good services in the army and hospitals, and that her health 
has suflfered in consequence. 

Very respectfully, 



Miss R. Van Skelune. 
Mrs. M. Van Skelline. 



No. 25. 



Brooklyn, N. Y., April 7, 1869. 
I would most cheerfully recommend the said Mrs. Wren as being in- 
telligent, virtuous, humane, and charitable, having known her as a neigh- 
bor for some time, and faithfully believe she rendered good service in the 
army, and that her health is very poor. 

Respectfully, 

Your friend, 

Mrs. Dii. IiiwiN. 

No. 26. 

This certifies that I witnessed the loyal self-sacrifice of Mrs. E. O. 
Wren, for the comfort of the sick and wounded soldiers, during the late 
rebellion, and that, in addition to her four sons, she gave more than the 
average of a woman's power to sustain the National cause. 

In consequence of these exertions she is now prematurely prostrated 
in health and strength, and is, in my Judgment, justly entitled to the be- 
neficent consideration of the government, which she sacrificed so much to 

sustain. 

John Bbeson. 

Brooklyn, Aj)ril 8, 1869. 

No. 2-7. 

Washington, April 12, 1869. 

I have been acquainted with Mrs. Wren for several years, and know 

her to be an honorable, generous, and patriotic lady. I can also testify to 

her eificiency as a physician, having been permanently benefited by her 

treatment. 

Very respectfully, 

Jeanie Fostek. 



13 

No. 28. 

Washington, D. C, April 13, 1869. 
We, the undersigned, take great pleasure in saying we know Mrs. E. 
O. Wren to be a lady of extraordinary qualifications, also reliable, in every 
sense of the word. We know that she has served as Matron in the army, 
and, by her mode of treatment, in a medical way, has alleviated the suffer- 
ings of hundreds of soldiers, and has gladdened many a heart by preparing 
comforts with her own hands, and at her own expense, for them. We 
also bfclieve that, in her untiring efforts to be of benefit to others, she has 
materially impaired her own health. 

Mrs. S. H. Huguelt. 

Geo. W. Hugtiely. 

Mrs. 0. W. Huguelt. 

No. 29. 

Washington, D. 0., April 15, 1869. 
We, the undersigned, have known Mrs. Wren some years; we know 
that when she lived on K Street, she cured many of the Union soldiers; 
we never heard she took any pay ; she was respected as a good woman, 
always willing to assist the afflicted. 

She made a permanent cure of an obstinate disease in our own family. 

R. H. Harrison. 
Thomasine Harrison. 

No. 30. 



Washington City, April 15, 1869. 

I hereby certify that I am a property -holder in the city of Washing- 
ton, and I know Mrs. Wren, who came to this city in the early part of the 
rebellion to look after the Union soldiers. I further certify that she did 
rent of me my two houses, Nos. 444 and 441, from the fall of the year 
1862, to the fall of the year 1865, and I do know that Mrs. Wren did 
good service to the Union cause, by the number of soldiers, sick and wound- 
ed, that I and my family have seen come to her house to be nursed. We 
resided next door ; and I also know that when our street was thronged with 
weary soldiers, some dying with fatigue after the second Bull Run battle, 
Mrs. Wreu opened her doors and took the worst cases in, and they were fed 
like babies with a spoon with black tea and brandy for four and five hours, 
until consciousness returned. By her example others were induced to give 
succor. I do know that she devoted all her time, for those three years, to 
the care of our soldiers, not only at her own home, but visiting the camps 
and hospitals, attending the poor soldiers, and carrying them nourishment 



14 

• 

and I know that she has made some wonderful cures by her method of 
treatment. In no ease have I heard of her receiving a cent of money from 
a soldier, but I often heard her say, " I have given four sons to the cause 
of America, and if I had twenty I should give them all." I believe her 
to be an enthusiastic English woman, who came to this country twenty- 
two years ago, and who appreciated our laws and institutions in prefer- 
ence to monarchical government, aod considered slie owed a debt of grati- 
tude to her adopted country. 

John West and his wife E.West. 

No. 31. 

Washington City, April Ifi. 1869. 
We can sincerely and with great pleasure testify that from Mrs. Wren's 
treatment we have botli derived great benefit. She attended and pre- 
scribed for several members of our family in long and painful illness, and 
all she did for us we shall ever remember most gratefully. She has 
proved herself both friend and physician in every instance. 

Mrs. Wren has ever been a true and loyal woman, and during the liite 
rebellion devoted herself and family to the cause of the Union and in 
caring for the sick and wounded soldiers engaged in that cause. 

Mks. S. Scheeiner. 
Mks. Lizzie Cox. 

No. 32. 

Dunkirk, N. Y., April 16, 1869, 
"To all whom it may concern.'' 

I was a resident of Washington. D. C, during the late rebellion, and 
being a fellow-worker with Mrs. Eleanor Wren, can testify to her many 
acts of kindness and charity to both wounded and well of Uncle Sam's 
soldiers. She did not leave Washington City until the latter part of 
September, 18C5, and up till that time was an able tnorJcer in the good 
cause. By her good example many others in the neighborliood were in- 
duced to succor the wounded and dying. Just after the battle of Antie- 
tam, when the hospitals were crowded and many lay under stoops and 
verandas, and even the market stalls were thronged, Mrs. Wren's house 
became a place of rest for many of the wounded men, and pail after pail 
of tea, coffee, and soup was served out to the sicJc ; and those who were so 
far gone that life seemed almost extinct were resuscitated by Mrs. Wren 
with black tea and brandy. Let me here state that, at the commencement 
of the war, Mrs. Wren put her two young daughters away to board, and, 
like the true patriotic woman she has proved herself to be, followed Jier 
four sons to the field. I assisted her seven weeks previous to her going, 
in packing up hospital stores amounting to hundreds of dollars. In fact 
the money spent by my knowledge alone by Mrs. Wren during the war, 
would, if summed up, be a small fortune, all of said money being her pri- 



15 

vate property; I also know that hundreds of men used to come from the 
hospitals around "Washington to Mrs. Wren's house to have their wounds 
dressed, when tlie different battles (too numerous to name) filled the hos- 
pitals to overflowing. I can testify that for her many attentions and ser- 
vices, Mrs. Wren never accepted any pay or remuneration whatever. 

I remain with respect, &c., 

Mrs. George S. Noeeis. 
No. 33. 

Georgetown, D. C, April 16, 1869. 
The year of 1864, I knew Mrs. Wren to be indefatigable in her min- 
istrations to the sick and wounded soldiers, have met them at her house, 
and can truly testify to her charity as a most faithful nurse, friend, and 
Christian to tlie poor soldiers. Hoping that government may reward her 
in a substantial and suitable way. 

Mrs. Feeeee Laflin. 

No. 34. 

Washington City, April 17, 1869. 
We, the undersigned, are well acquainted with Mrs. Wren, being 
neighbors for several years during the late war. We can certify to her 
being an honorable and worthy lady. She was very kind to the soldiers 
during the rebellion; she conferred upon them many acts of kindness; she 
was always ready and willing to attend the sick and wounded men at all 
times, day or night. She is truly worth y of all she asks. 

Respectfully, 

Sarah Pendel. 
T. F. Pendel. 



Your petitioner begs your kind consideration of her claims 
for remuneration ; and, as in duty bound, she will erer pray for 
the welfare of each individual composing an impartial and just 
Congress. 

MES. E. O. WEEN. 



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